AMMAN: The UAE’s U-21s notched up 10 medals in their category on the final day of the 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, bringing the team’s total for the competition to 22.
The Emirati athletes, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, gave outstanding performances across the event, winning three gold, two silver and five bronze medals.
The gold medalists were Mariam Al-Ali (45kg), Rashed Mohammed Al-Shehhi (56kg) and Ammar Al-Hosani (94kg).
Silvers went to Aysha Al-Shamsi (45kg) and Alanood Al-Harbi (48kg), with Alanood Al-Hosani (57kg), Rashid Al-Haimeini (+94kg), Saeed Al-Nuaimi (62kg), Ahmad Andeez (69kg) and Fahad Al-Hammadi (77kg) taking bronze.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Hamad Al-Matrooshi, acting charge d’affaires at the UAE Embassy in Amman, and Khaled Al-Ali and Aisha Al-Shehhi, both members of the UAE diplomatic corps.
Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation board, said: “This achievement highlights the athletes’ technical maturity and mental focus, as well as their ability to succeed against top-level competitors across Asia. Our preparation included both local and international training camps focused on tactical and physical development — something that clearly paid off during the competition.”
Rashed Mohammed Al-Shehhi, who won gold in the 56kg division, said he was delighted take such a significant victory.
“The matches were not easy, especially the final, where I faced a highly skilled and experienced opponent. I relied on tactical discipline and exploited my opponent’s flaws at vital points. With the coaches’ instruction and the rigorous preparation, we underwent, I was able to impose my style and secure the victory,” he said.
Fellow gold medalist Mariam Al-Ali added the competition and diverse techniques had been challenging.
“I experienced various technical hurdles that needed me to constantly change my plan, but I was able to transition quickly between offense and defense and employ ground control efficiently,” she said.
“The technical assistance provided by our coaches prior to and throughout the event was critical in building my confidence. This gold medal is just the beginning; my dreams are expanding, and I’ll keep working hard to reach even higher levels.”
